Kate J
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There is so much to see INLAND!!! I would suggest trying to get (from a base in Madrid) to Toledo and Segovia, as well. You can do each of those towns in a day, and they are a quick hour from Madrid. There is also a slew of castles you could visit in the area around Segovia.
In Segovia, you should visit any number of churches (start in any town with a stop to the tourist office to pick up a map, complete with a list of places you should see). Don't miss a stop at the Aqueduct, and tour the Alcázar. If you can get below the castle at late afternoon, you can get superb photos!
In Toledo, don't miss the Cathedral, Museum of Greco, and get outside the city, across the river (take a cab...it's about 5€ and worth every centavo!) to see the original "Vista de Toledo".
Madrid: Must see the Prado Museum, and there are tons of other art museums, but that is the must-see. Plaza Mayor, Rastro and stamp market on Sunday morning, if you're there, Palacio Real, Parque del Retiro. From there, you start getting into the things that simply interest YOU, as there are tons of smaller museums and sites, that are more specialized, like a tapestry museum, or ceramics. Of course, there are bullfights from Spring until Fall, and fútbol, but if you're on a budget, that probably won't fit at over 80€ for a cheap seat. Flamenco shows are best in Madrid and Barcelona, but they are more intimate and original in the south.
Sevilla is an absolute must-see, even though not on your list. The Cathedral there...third largest in the world, and the largest Gothic structure in the world, is incredible. The Giralda tower (part of the Cathedral) you should climb and get views of the city. Parque MarĂa Luisa, with tons of little corners to explore...most important are the Plaza de España and Plaza de AmĂ©rica...splurge for the carriage ride with commentary. You won't regret the expense. I promise.
Shopping through the Barrio Santa Cruz and along c/Sierpes...get to the far end and stop at La Campana for coffee and sweets. Yum!
I can't help you with Málaga or Valencia. Someone else is expert there.
DO NOT MISS GRANADA!!! You WILL regret it. One day to see the Alhambra is an absolute minimum! Get your entrance online...skip the up to two hour wait there!
Ronda is nice, too, if you can make the time.
Barcelona: Absolute minimum: Templo de la Sagrada Familia (GaudĂ's masterpiece), and Parc GĂĽell. Stroll down the Ramblas, and eat at one of the cafĂ©s. Wander through the Boqueria market. and wander through the BarrĂ Gotic, and the Cathedral. If you still have time, wander around or take a bus up the Passeig Gracia, and view all the modernista architecture...most of the masterpieces are along that street. Camp Nou is good, if you are into fĂştbol...I guess you can tour the stadium. Skip the tourist busses, though, they are about 20€ or so, and not really worth it if you are on a budget.
Lisbon is cool, too. There are a couple of maritime museums, a light house, etc. Some great castles to tour...don´t miss Castelo Sao George. (not sure if I spelled that right). And the old quarter...again, if you can be there for the market, that's fun!
For accomodations...I stayed in a place called Hostal Cruz Sol in Madrid. Steps from the Plaza Mayor...really good..cheap, clean, basic.
in Sevilla, check out sevilla5.com. They have all sorts of information, and good housing (if not the cheapest, they have good locations...we found a wonderful apartment through them in the perfect location, cheaper than most of what is on the web!)
Truly, though, if you have the patience to just wing it, you'll probably get the best prices by just walking in.
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Happy Murcia
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If you buy a really good guide book like the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide books to Spain they will give you masses of info about travel,sights to see, money, banks, places to camp/stay and just about everything else you could imagine,
Barcelona has a problem with pick pockets be very aware of your money,bags and drinks,please take that seriously in Barcelona most everywhere else is fine,not much in the way of trains in the area with everything going to Madrid and not good for connections along the coast,buses though are plentiful and regular,just learn a little of the language and when you can chat to other travellers for tips whilst you are out there |
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